At any rate, just at first." Kitty looked somewhat dubious, but Mrs.McBain nodded her approval vigorously.
"That's sound common-sense," she said decidedly.

"More than I expected of ye, St.John." He smiled a little.

Then, seeing the unspoken question in Kitty's eyes, he turned to her reassuringly.
"No need to worry, Madame Kitty.

Remember, I'm always there, if need be, with the money-bags.

My idea is that if Nan doesn't like entire dependence on her husband, it may spur her into working at her music.
I'm always waiting for her to do something big.